Overview:
The Belau Games are back on track — with a new opening date. PNOC confirmed the 2026 Games will kick off Monday, July 13, and run through July 22, featuring 21 sports and roughly 1,200 athletes from all 16 states.
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang
KOROR, Palau (July 9, 2026) — The opening ceremony for the 2026 Belau Games has been pushed back to Monday, July 13, the Palau National Olympic Committee announced, shifting the start date roughly a week later than originally planned.
PNOC Secretary-General Baklai T. Chilton said several competitions are already underway and will run through the closing ceremony on Wednesday, July 22.
The opening ceremony had originally been set for July 9 to align with Palau Constitution Day, but organizers postponed it after the supplemental budget passed later than expected. PNOC said the delay gives the states additional time to secure athlete uniforms and finish other preparations.
Chilton confirmed all 16 states will compete in this year’s Games, which feature 21 sports: archery, aquatics, athletics, badminton, baseball, 5×5 basketball, 3×3 basketball, canoe, judo, micro all-around, sailing, softball, spearfishing, table tennis, tennis, triathlon, volleyball, beach volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling and beach wrestling.
Every sport includes both men’s and women’s divisions except baseball and spearfishing, which are men’s only, and softball, which is women’s only.
Badminton and sailing make their Belau Games debut this year after being formally incorporated as federations under PNOC. Chilton said both federations have shown strong activity over the past two years, paving the way for their inclusion.
State participation varies widely. Peleliu will compete in all 21 sports, while Koror and Aimeliik will each field athletes in 20. Airai and Ngaraard will compete in 18 sports, and Sonsorol in 17. On the smaller end, Melekeok will enter three sports and Ngiwal just one.
PNOC said approximately 1,200 athletes have registered to compete in this year’s Games.